Kendrick Lamar kicked off Sunday night’s (June 30) 2013 BET Awards with one of the show’s most highly-anticipated performances. K. Dot began with “M.A.A.d City” and then transitioned into “Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe.” On the latter, he was accompanied by a saxophone and the talented Erykah Badu.

Right before he hit the stage, Kendrick Lamar scooped up an award for ‘Best New Artist.’ He beat out other newbies like The Weeknd and Joey Bada$$, but what was most interesting is that K Dot was MIA when he had to claim his prize. Presenters Gabrielle Union and Angela Bassett looked around confused as to the whereabouts of the emcee.

Earlier, Kendrick explained to MTV News that he wasn’t worried about his performance. “It’s just me enjoying myself, me and my team — the people that support me and my music,” Kendrick said on the ASCAP red carpet on Thursday. “BET, much love to them for acknowledging the talents, so we’re gonna enjoy ourselves.”

Kendrick is also nominated for Best Collaboration and Video of the Year for “Poetic Justice” (featuring Drake). Other performers at the BET Awards include Mariah Carey, A$AP Rocky and Miguel.